Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

Farming and husbandry are key industries in Australia, enabling the cultivation of masses of animals and crops for foods, fibres, fuels and other raw materials used for life-sustaining products. Known broadly as agriculture, the cultivation and resource management of these products for consumption or export is vital to the Australian economy. It is the occupation of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) to help Australian agriculture become more competitive and sustainable.

The all-rounder of agriculture, a farmer breeds and cares for living organisms, such as livestock and crops to produce meat and yield grain, fruit, or vegetables to be harvested. Fisheries breed, raise, study, and harvest fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants. The capture of wild fish may also be undertaken by a fishery, as well as fish farming or aquaculture for further information and research purposes. Embracing the science and art of generating and maintaining forests, forestry also plays a strong conservatory role, ensuring that resources are gathered in a sustainable manner while meeting established goals for human benefit. Undertaking operations within a sawmill, sawmillers are responsible for the process whereby felled trees are turned into wooden boards and lumber, to be used in construction, bark dust for landscaping, or wood pellets for stoves. With many techniques being used, a central concern in these forms of agriculture is to minimise waste and increase energy efficiency.

Agistment is the practice of entrusting animals into the care of a bailer in exchange for money. In Australia, this method of maintaining livestock is most commonly used during times of drought, where cattle are taken to alternative pastures by truck or stock route.

The Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is a part of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) which manages quarantine controls to minimise the risk of diseases entering the country, via agricultural materials and living organisms. Biosecurity is a demanding task that requires constant diligence and the collaboration of many government departments and bodies, such as the Australian Customs and Borders Protection Service and the Department of Health and Aging.